Pop America

Conservative Christian Leader Dead At 76

FT. LAUDERDALE (POP America)  --  One of the most recognized televangelists in the country has died.  Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church founder the Reverend D. James Kennedy passed away in his sleep at home early this morning.  He was 76.  Just last month, Kennedy stepped down as pastor of the 10-thousand member church he founded nearly 50 years ago in Fort Lauderdale.  He hadn't delivered a sermon at the church since suffering arrhythmia and cardiac arrest on December 28th.  He never fully recovered, despite a rigorous regimen of physical therapy in Florida and Michigan.  During his time at Coral Ridge, Kennedy built a multi-million-dollar media empire with a television show that was viewed by more than three-million people around the world.  He was also known for his conservative politics and his outspoken opposition to abortion and homosexuality.  Funeral arrangements for Dr. Kennedy are pending.

 

Coral Ridge Founder Retires Following December Heart Attack

FT. LAUDERDALE (POP America)  --  One of the nation's most famous televangelists has retired.  Nearly 50 years after founding Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, leaders announced Sunday Reverend D. James Kennedy would not return to the pulpit.  The 76-year-old Kennedy has been sidelined since suffering a heart attack in December.  Kennedy founded Coral Ridge in 1959 with just 45 followers.  Over the years, membership would grow into the thousands and the ministry would reach millions worldwide through television, radio and the Internet.  Kennedy is known as one of the most influential leaders in the Christian right and, at times, has been a divisive figure by condemning homosexuality and abortion.  Church leaders say it could take a couple of years to find a replacement pastor.

It's "Live With Regis....and Kathie Lee???"

NEW YORK (POP America)  --  Just when you finally got used to calling it "Live with Regis and Kelly," producers have decided to mess with our heads and bring back Kathie Lee.  For one day next month, the morning chatfest will enter a time warp and become "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" when Reege's old partner returns to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary.  Kathie Lee left as co-host in 2000 and, up until recently, most people in America still referred to the show as "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" or used the term coined by David Letterman by calling it "Live with Regis and Kelly Lee."  Producers say it's important to bring Kathie Lee back to remember the show's important milestone.  Other people might say, please leave the past alone!  Kathie Lee is slated to return September 14th.  Set your TiVo and get ready for seven years worth of Cody and Cassidy stories! 

Imus, CBS Reach Settlement; Radio Cowboy Mounting A Comeback

NEW YORK (AP)  --  Don Imus has reached a settlement with CBS over his multimillion-dollar contract and is negotiating with WABC radio to resume his broadcasting career there, according to CBS and a person familiar with the negotiations.

Imus and CBS Radio reached a settlement that would pre-empt the dismissed radio personality's threatened $120 million breach-of-contract lawsuit, CBS spokesman Dana McClintock said Tuesday.

No terms of the settlement were disclosed.

The person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press that Imus is taking steps to make a comeback with WABC-AM. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the news had not been announced, also said the deal with CBS calls for a "non-disparaging" agreement that forbids him from speaking negatively about his former employer.